Lionel Messi believes Argentina will approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup with strong conviction. The team is determined to win the trophy once more.

The Argentina captain is expected to lead the defending champions. The tournament kicks off in 2026 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Messi led his country to a historic triumph in Qatar in 2022. He lifted the World Cup for the third time in Argentina’s history.

Speaking to TouchlineX, Messi affirmed the team’s ambition remains unchanged. When asked about retaining the title, he confidently replied: “Yes.” He added, “This group will strive to win the World Cup again. They will give everything and fight hard.”

Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 finals. They are considered among the favorites for the competition. The team features a strong core of players. This core is built around Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Messi Praises Pep Guardiola’s Unique Coaching Style

Meanwhile, ESPN Argentina released a preview on Wednesday. It offered a glimpse into Messi’s broader reflections. These were shared during an upcoming exclusive interview.

The forward spoke warmly about his former coach, Pep Guardiola. Messi enjoyed some of his finest years at Barcelona under Guardiola’s guidance.

Messi stated, “In my opinion, Pep Guardiola is unique.” He continued, “Many coaches are very good. But he possesses something different. For me, he is the best among all coaches.”

He added that Guardiola’s strength comes from his attention to detail. His influence on the game is also remarkable. The former PSG star noted Guardiola’s comprehensive approach. He excels at observing things and preparing for matches. He also communicates information effectively to players.

“He is the best,” Messi emphasized. “We were fortunate to have him at Barcelona. Furthermore, he worked seamlessly with our players then. All elements aligned perfectly. This led to all our accomplishments.”

Messi praised Guardiola’s impact beyond just trophies. He highlighted his influence on playing styles across Europe. Messi observed, “He went elsewhere and kept winning. This was not merely due to victories. It was because of the distinctive way his teams played.”

“At Bayern, he did not win the Champions League,” Messi acknowledged. “However, he transformed German football’s playing style. Similarly, in England, he led Manchester City. He altered how the league was played.”